Salt in the livestock industry

Question 1

Uses of salt

Answer 1

– Source of essential nutrients Na & Cl
– Control intake of feed supplements
– Treatment of hides

Question 2

Metabolic functions of salt

Answer 2

– Maintain osmotic pressure
– Regulate the acid-base balance
– Control H2O metabolism in tissue

Question 3

Sheep salt requirements

Answer 3

0.23 – 0.46 %

Question 4

Sheep max salt tolerance

Answer 4

8.0 %

Question 5

Sheep salt practical inclusion rates

Answer 5

0.30 – 0.60%

Question 6

Salt intake and inclusion levels

Answer 6

– TMR 0.5%; concentrate diet 1%
– Lambs 5 – 10 g/d; Ewes 15 – 30 g/d

Question 7

Salt deficiency implications

Answer 7

– Reduced intake
– Reduced production (growth, milk production, reproduction)
– Reduced feed efficiency
– Reduced water intake

Question 8

Signs of salt deficiency

Answer 8

– Pica (abnormal appetite, chewing wood or dirt etc.)
– Increase in intake of poisonous plants
– Long term deficiency = poor appetite, frizzy & listless
appearance

Question 9

Sources of salt

Answer 9

– Sea water (salt ≤ 80%)
– Underground water/ salt pans

Question 10

Importance of grade or fineness of salt

Answer 10

– Determine the price of salt
– Finer salt is nutritionally better but more
expensive
– Fine salt is more efficient in intake control
– Fine salt mixes better (< separation from other
feed)

Question 11

Why do we prefer a fine salt?

Answer 11

Fine salt is also more effective in intake control of supplements

Question 12

What substances is known as impurities in salt?

Answer 12

1. Silica
2. Sulphate
3. Nitrate
4. Fluor
5. Moisture

Can be detrimental to animal health
Negative effect on price of salt